The 2014 legislative session began on Jan. 8. It was mostly a day of formalities, but before the week ended several bills were referred to committee and now the real work can begin for the Second Regular Session of the 97th General Assembly.

While January marks the start of a new year, it also marks the beginning of our task to craft and pass legislation that protects citizens and prepares Missouri for the 21st century. Approximately 500 bills already have been filed by the House of Representatives and Senate. If history is an indicator, nearly 2,000 bills will be filed by springtime and most will fall to the wayside when the session ends in May.

This year I have several priorities. Reforming certain tax credits that annually wreak havoc on the state budget is near the top of my list. As senators have sought tax credit reforms for several years in a row, this year may see a break in the logjam with the help of Missouri’s governor.  Also related to tax policy, the General Assembly plans to revisit legislation that would provide a modest cut to the state income tax. I intend to support such a measure.

As the state unemployment rate steadily goes down, Missouri’s tax revenues will be up this year. Many special interests will be anxious to spend those tax dollars. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will work closely with legislators and staff to monitor the spending of what is expected to be hundreds of millions of new dollars in the state budget. I don’t want a single dollar misspent.

As a physician, I take seriously the ongoing challenge of ensuring quality health services are available in Northwest Missouri and throughout the state. I’m currently working with representatives in the House to jointly propose a healthcare package intended to remove barriers to the free market, while reducing the role of government at the same time. I’m convinced we can lower the costs of healthcare if we can get government and special interest groups out of the way. My hope is that the Legislature will come to a consensus on what is best to reduce medical costs.

If you have any questions about the upcoming session, you can visit the Missouri Senate website (www.senate.mo.gov), where you can review legislation, keep track of important dates, and review hearing schedules for Senate and House committees. Ot if I can be of assistance or can answer any questions, please feel free to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-2183.